  |
|
|
|
Four Gallon Crock with Elephant Ear Leaves, Bottom Stamped
This is a four gallon crock finished in white glaze and decorated with the underlined number "4," two elephant ear leaves and a Red Wing oval all in blue ink. It was manufactured without handles. The crock is in very good condition with only a few flakes around the edges and a few clay bubbles. All of these defects are in high demand because of the character they give a piece. The oval, in blue ink, reads:
UNION There is a bottom mark on the crock which reads: MINNESOTA STONEWARE CO. RED WING We date the manufacture of this crock between the years of 1895 and 1906. The Red Wing stoneware companies used zinc oxide to provide a brilliant white glaze for their wares. This glaze is commonly referred to as Zinc Glaze. The companies gradually phased in this new glaze from around 1895 to 1900 to replace the salt glaze. After 1900, all stoneware from Red Wing was glazed this way. The Red Wing stoneware companies produced crocks in standard sizes ranging from one pint to 60 gallons. Crocks were used by homesteaders, schools and businesses alike to store everything from food to tools. They made lids to fit all of the crocks except for the smallest sizes. The stoneware companies of Red Wing, Minnesota produced stoneware items shortly after their inception in 1877 until the mid-1940's. The shapes of these items ranged widely. However, one overriding attribute describes them all: they were designed to be used. In fulfilling the needs of a developing America, the stoneware companies were hugely successful and their wares were very popular. The popularity of their wares has only increased over time making collecting Red Wing a growing field and exciting hobby!
Parts
Photo Album
|
 |
|
